Our life with the Church began when we were baptized. We were taught that the sacrament of Baptism cleanses us from original sin and all other sins; we are welcomed as members of the Church. It is unfortunate that, for many, membership in the Church means they are baptized, hopefully married and buried in the Church. Confirmation, the first experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion are, for many, not much more than occasions for celebrations in our lives.
In the first reading from one of the letters of John, we are clearly reminded that we have eternal life through and in the name of the Lord Jesus, Son of God.
The Gospel reading tells us of the baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan. Unlike others baptized by John, the baptism of Jesus was not for repentance for sin. At Jesus’ baptism, he is confirmed by the Spirit coming down on him like a dove and the Father’s message, “You are my Son, the Beloved, and the One I have chosen.”
We had no choice when we were baptized as infants: our parents and godparents spoke for us and affirmed their Catholic faith for us. Our living out of our baptismal vows depends on us; our living according to the dictates of Christ and his Church depends on us. Our participation in the life of the Church especially through Sunday Mass with the Christian community depends on us.
Let us live following the words of John, “I write you, then, all these things that you may know that you have eternal life, all you who believe in the Name of the Son of God.”